Dear besties, loved ones and strangers,

My name is Yasmin and I'm many things - a diligent, hardworking, daring petite lady - but most importantly, I'm a student in need of your support.

I was offered a place on the Master's Acting programme at the prestigious Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (aka Central) in late 2024, no small feat as one of the most selective and revered conservatoires in the UK. (Take a peek at their almuni)

The programme is offered to only 16 students per year. Upon receiving my offer, most of my nearest and dearest know that I was in a state of disbelief, hysterics and elation as many prospective students audition for the school multiple times in the hopes of gaining an offer. The disbelief soon transformed to anxiety and deliberation. The offer came at a pivotal time and I found myself at a cross-roads; to abandon the vocation that I was in for the last 6 years and make the leap towards the career I know I am destined for. But in true Yasmin form, I knew I had to take this once in a lifetime opportunity and dived in.

For those who don't know me:

I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology, but have worked within fintech for the last 6 years starting as an Office Manager, promoted to Partner Management and later as an Account Manager. I have worked in large multi-national corporates, doing 60 hour weeks, building relationships and throwing myself into delivering on aggressive targets.

I have taken part in the Performing Arts since childhood (like most) - I have danced competitively, sung in choirs and acted in school plays, community plays and National Youth Theatre competitions. My favourite role was Killer Queen in Ben Elton's 'We Will Rock You'.

However when I finished my undergraduate, circumstances outside my control meant I had to focus on obtaining 'a good job' and I nestled myself into the corporate world.

I forced my star into a square and got on with it. Though I was successful in my vocation, I was not fulfilled or happy. In 2020, I confided in a beloved colleague (now bestie) that I was considering attending a part-time acting school alongside work, who encouraged me. Fast forward to now, I have self-funded my acting training alongside full time work for the last four years; it has brought nothing less than joie-de-vivre and reignited a hunger and drive that was untapped in my vocation. My passion for writing has returned with a rambunctious energy and I am developing a body of work on financial education and literacy.

Studying part time and working full time put a lot of strain on my ability to forward my acting career and one of my tutors recommended I go for conservatoire training. I didn't expect to get an offer on my first time auditioning but here I am.

I threw all my savings into my course, packed up my house and scrimped and saved and now here I am reader.

Performing Arts funding in the UK has been cut dramatically (pardon the pun), while costs are soaring; making the cost of entry a barrier to most. The cost of the course is £22,750 for tuition alone, not including the cost of living in London. I fortunately have a loan from SFE which covers half of my costs, but I still need support. As I got my offer after bursaries and scholarships at Central had been allocated for the year, I have no other support. I have reached out to numerous charitable trusts and organisations for assistance unsuccessfully.

I am not a stranger to hard work, and work part time alongside my studies to fund myself. However being a conservatoire, my training hours are Monday-Friday 9-6 leaving little time to make up the shortfall and stay on top of my studies.

It takes a village to raise a child, and I now turn to the village here for help.

I seek to raise £10,000 to help pay for the remainder of my tuition (£6,000) and living costs. I know economically times are tough for many but I deeply appreciate any contribution you can make.

The training at Central will be invaluable in helping me to refine my craft, obtain future employment as an actor, aid my writing for stage and screen in order to produce my own work for public consumption and build my industry network.

I will keep you all updated on my progress and would be delighted if you can attend any of the public showcases that take place in the summer of 2025.

Thank you for reading, sending love, gratitude and positivity,

Yasmin